tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.comments2011-07-08T04:30:26.425-06:00Media EthicsNancy Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05201440673240187754noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-32092456978272864872011-07-08T04:30:26.425-06:002011-07-08T04:30:26.425-06:00The main purpose of the news is to ensure an infor...The main purpose of the news is to ensure an informed electorate. In a government like a democracy or a republic, where the public has the right to vote, it's essential for the electorate to be informed.Moultonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14800784950094043498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-65686890392659477542011-05-27T19:30:13.652-06:002011-05-27T19:30:13.652-06:00Naive question here, what is the purpose / role of...Naive question here, what is the purpose / role of news and journalism? Certainly not (or at least not just) entertainment nor the stirring of emotions that is popular in a lot of TV news. But the purpose also seems different from education. TV journalism is not the same as discovery channel or PBS. So, what is the purpose?Neal Holtschultehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03887759417884373192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-13731029897579242192009-04-28T13:20:00.000-06:002009-04-28T13:20:00.000-06:00This story definitely comes packed with media ethi...This story definitely comes packed with media ethics issues. Can you identify them? Here's a tip: <A HREF="http://mashable.com/2009/04/27/swine-flu-twitter/" REL="nofollow"><br />Swine Flu Hysteria: 10,000 Tweets Per Hour</A>.Nancy Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05201440673240187754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-1679274930743045892009-04-28T13:06:00.000-06:002009-04-28T13:06:00.000-06:00I really hate the notion of true objectivity. I t...I really hate the notion of true objectivity. I think it is an illusion and I also think that we are smart enough to distinguish fact from fiction. So why should we not be able to vote? It is a right inherent with citizenship. Shoul we also deny ourselves of religion because it may sway our objectivity?Katie Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00215740540421718767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-26578170205941567032009-04-28T12:31:00.000-06:002009-04-28T12:31:00.000-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Darren R. Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05248522326453540290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-54421324654801744292009-04-28T09:07:00.000-06:002009-04-28T09:07:00.000-06:00yeah i agree with the fact taht she should be able...yeah i agree with the fact taht she should be able to say whatever she wants to say. She was asked a question and answered it. But lets not be ridiculous here. We all know what day and age it is, you can't say anything about race, religion, and gay issues without causing an uproar. We all know this, so why do we play dumb like it's ok for free speech because it's really not. But either way on sensitive issues like these, you have got to be prepared for riducule from both sides. If she says she is for gay marriage, the liberals may love it and it could be politically correct, but the conservatives may go crazy with it as well. You just have to be prepared for the consequences of your actions before you speak. It's not so much free-speech these days on TV and in the Media as it is free speech as long as you dont offend anybody.setzerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00106011905308000025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-16030222579803020892009-04-28T08:58:00.000-06:002009-04-28T08:58:00.000-06:00I think the media should make a bigger issue out o...I think the media should make a bigger issue out of this. I thinkthe media should talk more about this issue and the double standards that we have in America right now. Basically I read this article and got upset and wanted to bring it up on the blog. I cant really blame the media for anything other than not making this a bigger issue. People getting arrested for legal things in their own state is crazy and something should be done.setzerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00106011905308000025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-1777693102743311942009-04-28T08:53:00.000-06:002009-04-28T08:53:00.000-06:00Mostly I brought this up because of the child when...Mostly I brought this up because of the child when he gets older. Im not saying it shouldn't be ran in the paper or that it should. I just feel like this poor kid is going to read this story when he gets older and see that he was sold by his mom for $5,000. This does not just affect the mother in the story it also affects the child in the long-run. Just a possible ethics issue with the kid.setzerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00106011905308000025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-76879982566399993532009-04-28T08:50:00.000-06:002009-04-28T08:50:00.000-06:00I can see why not voting can give you a sense of o...I can see why not voting can give you a sense of objectivity and non-bias, but journalists are as American as the rest of us, why should they not have a free right to vote just like the rest of us. I believe it is ok for a journalist to have an opinion on a matter, it's just important when writing about it to be un-bias. If you are a journalist and dont vote, I think thats dumb. Maybe if your scared of being bias or whatever, just dont tell anybody you voted or who for. Everyone should be able to vote and express their opinions, we live in America thats what we are supposed to be all about as a country.setzerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00106011905308000025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-8228210078039166502009-04-27T14:43:00.000-06:002009-04-27T14:43:00.000-06:00The idea that journalists cannot have opinions and...The idea that journalists cannot have opinions and act accordingly is something I have always strongly disagreed with. I don't think journalists should have to oppress their right to vote or their involvement in the democratic process. I completely understand the argument that it skews coverage but that should not prevent you from reporting all together. If you are going to protest war or campaign for a specific cause, you shouldn't be allowed to write articles about your respective interest. If you cover everything but, I don't see how your opinion can influence reporting. <br /><br />We've learned from the start that we must strive for objectivity. However, we are also taught that we can never reach that optimum because we are who we are and we bring that to the table. Even on this most basic level, I see no difference in the bigger discussion we are having here. We all have opinions and we shouldn't have to sacrifice them. I think it would be better for audiences to know your biases up front, rather than deceiving them with this idea of objectivity. Audiences can know that a certain reporter doesn't support the war, or whatever, so they will not be covering it. Just because someone is for or against something doesn't mean their entire career is shot. They just shouldn't cover anything related to the respective topic.Ariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15587294484189126761noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-75454084871479987042009-04-27T12:47:00.000-06:002009-04-27T12:47:00.000-06:00I know this is a later post, but I have been letti...I know this is a later post, but I have been letting this issue settle in my mind for a while. I am extremely sad this issue has not been resolved in our society, and I await the day when it could perhaps be a same-sex couple without the negative commentary, but I don't it will come true in my lifetime. I think it was great for negative comments to be allowed. It could possibly give more emphasis to the story, allowing the readers to see beyond the words written. It could bring some light to the issue truly going on, and maybe that was the editors reason for posting the picture, to bring awareness. I am very surprised some would cancel their subscription over it, that is very unfortunate some readers don't want reality on the front page.Jessica Colletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13651109454628157981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-91146697824118463802009-04-27T12:42:00.000-06:002009-04-27T12:42:00.000-06:00I finally got a chance to watch this movie. I love...I finally got a chance to watch this movie. I loved it! I cannot imagine Marshall making this sort of video without negative feedback, it is simply human nature, but I don't understand how there were so many that object to his peaceful expression. He is a soldier who had actually seen the war in a different perspective than almost all of us, he printed actual stories the military actually censored. Isn't this the guy we should be listening to? The media is so skewed it is scary. Marshall did mention to our class that he was surprised at those who joined him. They must have been too scared in such a conservative society to express their opinions and see that others agreed with them. This isn't even an issue about conservative vs. liberal, it is an issue about what information we are receiving, and if it is the right information.Jessica Colletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13651109454628157981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-59013042678440371862009-04-26T14:43:00.000-06:002009-04-26T14:43:00.000-06:00I completely agree. I think all personal experienc...I completely agree. I think all personal experiences make journalists see through different filters provoking bias. Good point that a journalist is going to believe what they do regardless if they vote or not. If they don't vote, they aren't going to suddenly not have an opinion. Journalists have been trained and had experience to be objective despite different influences. Many have done so sufficiently. If people believe they should not have opinions at all in order to report, I don’t think journalists would be able to ask the controversial questions they do so well. They should be able to vote like anyone else in the United States.Jessica Colletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13651109454628157981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-31013301299503744662009-04-26T14:14:00.000-06:002009-04-26T14:14:00.000-06:00I cant believe that they ever had that tab on the ...I cant believe that they ever had that tab on the website to begin with. I mean they were asking for trouble. It is crazy to think that you could get on the website and post an add for something like that, what is next a tab for selling you organs?Jordan Oldhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14057833946591461780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-91375980524554825912009-04-26T14:11:00.000-06:002009-04-26T14:11:00.000-06:00I think that Journalists should be able to vote. ...I think that Journalists should be able to vote. What country do we live in, the USA. You should be able to exercise your rights. Sure there might be some influence on your reporting during elections, but face it, whether you vote or not you are still going to be bias. If they wanted a perfect media that would not influence on elections they should hire some one that live in a hut on an island. I say VOTE!! It is a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT!Jordan Oldhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14057833946591461780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-30230597739178177922009-04-24T23:00:00.000-06:002009-04-24T23:00:00.000-06:00I'm a print major, but I understand and sympathize...I'm a print major, but I understand and sympathize with your plight. I've thought of it often, actually, just because of the contention that goes on between print journalists and PR people, which is really inane. But it doesn't have to be like that. They are two entirely different fields with different goals that need to learn how to work together. PR is not journalism, and the other way around, and people need to respect that. PR people feed journalists stories, journalists prepare the stories for the news and print them. It's supposed to be a symbiotic relationship. Don't let the contention sway you! And just because you are not a journalist reporting the facts every day does not mean you are deceitful. Yes, there are corrupt PR organizations out there with weasely PR people, but there are corrupt organizations in a lot of fields. :) Yes, there are some professionals who have, unfortunately created some negative stereotypes for your field. But we print journalists are called deceitful and smarmy as well because of corrupt people in our industry! So if a print person is pointing fingers at you, tell them to stick it. You're doing YOUR job. And I agree with Mack- it does not have to be like that. You create your profession for yourself by deciding what kind of organizations to be involved with. My mother has made an honorable career as a PR director for many, many years. I don't know all the details of her career, and I'm sure she's had struggled with ethical issues involving clients, but I think that's part of the job. I definitely think you can make a great PR career if you make the right choices. And that's straight from the mouth of a print journalist.KGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04769114624466948249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-4199768916309641132009-04-24T22:36:00.000-06:002009-04-24T22:36:00.000-06:00Ugh, seriously? Our society is obsessed with looki...Ugh, seriously? Our society is obsessed with looking "perfect," and Photoshop is just another tool people use to create the illusion. Obviously, I think it's ridiculous. Let's face it- photoshopping in fashion magazines is expected. Unfortunate, but true. Not that I'm super OK with it, but I don't really care about those magazines, and they are about looking perfect anyway. Essentially, they are NOT news publications. But a reputable NEWS magazine? It's not OK-- it's deceptive and communicating a different message than the truth. While Obama's fake swim trunk color and enhanced body "glow" doesn't seem like that big of a deal, it is deception. It's just like printing WORDS that aren't true. Plus, the main thing about this, to me, is that it is objectifying our president. And it's not a true representation of who he is. It's disrespectful. While we're at it, why don't we just photoshop a tattoo on his bicep and a piece of spinach in his teeth? And Time and Newsweek? Really? Like Carl Stepp said in the Huffington Post article, "When a magazine puts a person on its cover, our expectation is that the person we are seeing is the person who was seen through the lens of the photographer." Yes. And when I read news text, I expect it to be accurate as well. This is a good photojournalism lesson.KGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04769114624466948249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-46999521638971602382009-04-24T18:08:00.000-06:002009-04-24T18:08:00.000-06:00So - as far as media ethics is concerned here, Sea...So - as far as media ethics is concerned here, Sean, are you complaining about media coverage of legalizing medical marijuana? <br /><br />I'm confused. I get that you disagree with the government's position, but help me out here - explain what you see as ethics issues in media coverage.Nancy Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05201440673240187754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-29310541283123981692009-04-24T12:34:00.000-06:002009-04-24T12:34:00.000-06:00Sean, what are you identifying as media ethics iss...Sean, what are you identifying as media ethics issues around the story you posted about selling the baby?Nancy Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05201440673240187754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-4968859636827605502009-04-24T11:55:00.000-06:002009-04-24T11:55:00.000-06:00I have to say that it is sad to see newspapers fai...I have to say that it is sad to see newspapers failing, but I am optimistic about the alternatives. I think we can survive as news consumers as blogs, twitter, and facebook become more mainstream. Journalists will revert to the next possible outlet (online) and thrive there. Sure there are toms of "what ifs" and issues that online faces, but the details will sort themselves out as time progresses. It is important to latch on and take advantage of the new media forum that has burst onto the scene. I am positive that newspapers will remain to exists, but their power will diminish. It is essential, as journalists, to move with the times and carry our skills to other outlets to make them strong and more credible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-6345865019311644842009-04-24T11:49:00.000-06:002009-04-24T11:49:00.000-06:00This story is way gnarly. We are familiar with pe...This story is way gnarly. We are familiar with people selling themselves and, in other countries, slavery, but to have someone right here in the USA sell their baby is way crazy. Some interesting things have developed since we have hit the recession. It is too bad to see what people are doing to "get by." Selling your own flesh and blood is pretty hard to fathom. Also, $5,000 for a kid is not very much. People adopt for a lot more. Anyway I think this story is sad.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-37495867724665393712009-04-23T21:51:00.000-06:002009-04-23T21:51:00.000-06:00I feel so invigorated by Katie's response, and Jes...I feel so invigorated by Katie's response, and Jessica's response (http://mediaethics-usu.blogspot.com/2009/04/okay-i-have-made-my-decision.html) to the irreplaceable nature of newspapers and your optimism of the future of our jobs. The Constitutional right is a good point. You are right on the NY Times as well. I believe they are ahead of the crowd, but I think they are the only ones. I think the whole, old-white-guy dominated, traditional industry needs a complete and vast overhaul. Let's dress like it's 2009 (the newspapers that is). Newspapers have lost their sparkle for a lot of people. I want the newspaper to glitter. But I am but a lowly junior in college, what do I know? But then again, what do those old white guys have on me, besides balding heads? I think it is time to push the good ol' boys out and re-stake newspaper territory. I may be idealistic and niave, but I believe creativity and an infusion of new people will save the newspaper. And yes, who does not love the smell of a fresh newspaper in the morning, or afternoon for that matter?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-56190593917004498962009-04-23T21:36:00.000-06:002009-04-23T21:36:00.000-06:00Wow. How many presidents have been photographed li...Wow. How many presidents have been photographed like this? I am proud of those who actually take a stand against photoshop. Like Kate Winslet in Vanity Fair who favors natural pictures. This is the reason why society has such a distorted view about beauty. Go Dove campagins;).Jessica Colletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13651109454628157981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-47171485649465032552009-04-23T20:57:00.000-06:002009-04-23T20:57:00.000-06:00I echo with many of the comments that Craigslist i...I echo with many of the comments that Craigslist is not responsible. Some unfortunate things have happened there, but how is it their fault? It is basically impossible to require any regulations for it. Craiglist is a network for online communities, no one is in control of that. The communities will use it how the like, that is not always positive.Jessica Colletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13651109454628157981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376271571140705461.post-79454999468854124692009-04-23T13:14:00.000-06:002009-04-23T13:14:00.000-06:00I think this is ridiculous – both using a photo of...I think this is ridiculous – both using a photo of the president in swim trunks and the photoshopping. It is misleading. I agree with the portion you quoted, Nancy, if you have any reservations or want to change a photo, just pick a different one. <br /><br />Sure, some agree the "new neighbor is hot" but is doesn't take photoshopped swim trunks and skin color to prove that. I think another untouched photo could have gotten the point across just as well.Ariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15587294484189126761noreply@blogger.com